Frequently Asked Questions

Can you earn university credit for classes taken at WAL?
How long does it take to achieve fluency in a foreign language?
Is it better to learn a language from a native speaker?
How is a typical language class taught at WAL?
What is WAL's philosophy of teaching?
How much homework should I expect?
Is it better to learn in a group setting or in a one-on-one setting?
What is the age range of students in a typical language class at WAL?
Will other colleges/universities accept credits earned at WAL?
How many students are enrolled in a typical language class at WAL?
I've never studied another language before. Is language learning difficult?
I want more practice speaking the language I am studying at WAL. What can I do?

 

Can you earn university credit for classes taken at Washington Academy of Languages?

Students can earn four quarter credits for each five-week course at Washington Academy of Languages in many levels of the languages taught. Seattle Pacific University charges $160 for four quarter credits; completed forms and payment are required during the first week of class.

How long does it take to achieve fluency in a foreign language?

The time it takes to achieve fluency in a language depends on the student. The amount of focused study completed outside of class is an important factor in becoming fluent. The student's commitment, level of motivation, previous experience studying other languages and freedom from the fear of making mistakes are also determining factors. Washington Academy of Languages provides opportunities for practice with native speakers too. Ask about our Conversation Partner program!

Is it better to learn a language from a native speaker?

While some students prefer learning a language from a native speaker, it is important to understand that being a native speaker is not an essential qualification of a good language instructor. Qualities to look for in a language instructor are experience, patience, appropriate educational background and the ability to foster an atmosphere in the classroom that is comfortable and conducive to learning. Non-native speaking teachers of languages must be native-equivalent in their fluency.

How is a typical language class taught at Washington Academy of Languages?

Typically, class is conducted mainly in the target language and emphasizes building fluency through conversations about topics of interest and usefulness. In-class simulations include ordering meals at a restaurant, asking for directions and other common situations. Grammar points are discussed. Reading and writing are part of the course but are not a major focus. Depending on the level of the class, the amount of English spoken in class varies. A student can expect to listen and speak in the target language about 80% of the time with less usage of English as the student progresses to more advanced-level classes. Learning a language does not mean learning to translate from one language to another; it means thinking in that language and producing meaningful communication-grammatical corrections come with time and practice. Homework is part of the course.

What is Washington Academy of Languages's philosophy of teaching?

We teach language as the basic form of human communication; people communicate information, beliefs, emotions and attitudes. People communicate through speech, through listening and through writing. Washington Academy of Languages adopts an active, integrative approach to the teaching of language. Culture learning is part of the instruction.

How much homework should I expect?

The amount of homework expected by an instructor will vary depending on the instructor and the format of the class. A realistic expectation would be a minimum of three hours of work outside of class per week.

Is it better to learn in a group setting or in a one-on-one setting?

It depends on the objectives and schedule of the student. Regularly scheduled group classes provide opportunities for group work and are not as intense as one-on-one courses because of the turn-taking. Curriculum is standardized. Alternately, some students prefer a more intensive learning experience or they want to focus on particular skills or specific content or their schedules require varying meeting times. In these instances, a one-on-one setting is more appropriate. Washington Academy of Languages offers both options to students.

What is the age range of students in a typical language class at Washington Academy of Languages?

Classes at Washington Academy of Languages are comprised mostly of university students and adults. While classes at Washington Academy of Languages are generally designed for people of this age range, motivated high school students (juniors and seniors) have successfully completed foreign language group classes. We require that students under the age of 18 first speak with our Director of World Languages prior to enrolling to determine if the class would be appropriate to their needs.

Will other colleges/universities accept credits earned at Washington Academy of Languages?

Accredited colleges and universities throughout the US have accepted credits from Washington Academy of Languages classes; the student must take the Washington Academy of Languages course for university credit. Institutional policies differ so please check with the specific university regarding their transfer credit requirements. It is up to the student to contact Seattle Pacific University once the Washington Academy of Languages class has been successfully completed and to request that official transcripts be sent to the appropriate academic institution.

How many students are enrolled in a typical language class at Washington Academy of Languages?

The number of students in a class ranges from 4 to 12. We believe that a small class benefits both the student and the instructor. The student has more opportunities to communicate and the instructor is better able to discern student learning styles and needs.

I've never studied another language before. Is language learning difficult?

Many of our students are beginning language learners. Making mistakes is an important and natural step in the process of language acquisition. Students should remember that there is no such thing as a 'quick-fix' when it comes to learning another language. The more willing a student is to devote time to this process, the more successful the student will be. Practice, practice, practice!

I want more practice speaking the language I am studying at Washington Academy of Languages. What can I do?

Washington Academy of Languages offers a Conversation Partners program for students interested in practicing outside of the classroom. This program matches students studying a particular language with native speakers of that language who are studying English as a Second Language at Washington Academy of Languages. This is an excellent way to learn about the life and culture of people who speak the language you are studying. This highly recommended program is free and available to all students at Washington Academy of Languages. Please note, student speakers of all languages taught at Washington Academy of Languages are not always available. For further information on how to get started, please inquire at Washington Academy of Languages. World Language students are also invited to participate in the Washington Academy of Languages activities program for international students.